Commuters can expect higher toll rates beginning July 1 when the North Texas Tollway Authority implements a biennial toll rate schedule first approved in 2009.
On average, rates will adjust slightly less than a penny per mile from 16.16 to 17.06 cents for drivers who use a TollTag, with ZipCash users paying premium of at least 50 percent more, according to an agency news release.
Tolls fund maintenance of existing tollways and NTTA’s safety and service programs. The agency said it does not use tax dollars to operate and maintain area toll roads that relieve congestion and provide mobility throughout the region. Regularly scheduled increases also help NTTA plan and fund transportation choices by maintaining a strong financial position, allowing NTTA to meet all its obligations and to repay its bonds.
“When surveyed, drivers tell us they choose to pay for driving NTTA toll roads because they find them faster, safer and cleaner, “ said Kenneth Barr, NTTA chairman and former Fort Worth mayor, in a news release.
“Communities also benefit from the economic development that toll roads generate, such as the future Toyota and Dallas Cowboys headquarters near the Dallas North Tollway/Sam Rayburn Tollway interchange and the State Farm and Raytheon headquarters near the George Bush Turnpike/U.S. 75 interchange,” Barr said.
Tolls recover costs from drivers who use the roadways and provide a dedicated, ongoing way to pay for NTTA operations, maintenance and road improvements. They also repay bonds that fund toll road construction. The agency emphasized that it does not own, operate or set rates on TEXpress Lanes in North Texas.
Signs will be updated with the new rates in the next few weeks, but rates will not be in effect until July 1. The agency asks drivers to be aware of personnel updating signage on NTTA roadways.
NTTA customers can view the new rates and calculate travel costs at www.ntta.org or by using the new, free NTTA Tollmate app also available at the same website.